Text messages for help result in Nashua rescue, arrest

NASHUA — A local man is accused of choking his ex-girlfriend several times until she vomited and blacked out, threatening her with a utility knife and scaring her with a boiling pot of oil.

Officers forced their way into the Chestnut Street apartment Thursday afternoon to rescue the woman, who had sent text messages asking family and friends for help.

.Johnathan Ray Gerald, 30, of 58 Ash St., was arrested and charged with six counts of second-degree assault, three counts of domestic violence criminal threatening, four counts of simple assault and one count each of criminal restraint and criminal mischief for the incident.

According to court documents, Gerald had spent the night at his ex-girlfriend’s residence at 48D Chestnut St. when he became agitated the next morning because he could not buy cigarettes.

An argument escalated and eventually turned physical when Gerald allegedly told the woman he was going to “discipline her and teach her how to clean,” at which point he grabbed her by the throat and forced her into the bathtub, according to a police affidavit filed by Nashua Det. Lakeisha Phelps.

The victim, 22, told police that Gerald choked her at least four times, covering her nose and mouth and causing her to black out and vomit, court records state. He is accused of squeezing her face, throwing her into a lamp and pushing her into a humidifier, the affidavit states.

“The defendant threatened to stab her with a utility knife and a pair of kitchen scissors. He also threatened to throw a pot of hot oil on her,” according to the affidavit. “She thought the defendant was going to kill her.” The victim was able to text her mother and a friend during the incident, at which time Gerald allegedly prevented her from leaving the apartment. Police were contacted, and authorities forced their way into the residence...According to police, Gerald allegedly held Cauble against her will for nearly five hours.

She sustained cuts and bruises from the alleged assault.

Authorities determined that a protection order was previously issued on March 9 prohibiting Gerald from having any contact with his ex-girlfriend...Gerald was arraigned Friday in 9th Circuit Court, Nashua District Division. Bail was set at $10,000 cash, and he will be back in court on June 19 for a probable cause hearing.